Friday, March 29, 2024

Community radio milestone

Recent stories

Sheryl Lowe, Naracoorte Community News

Community Radio Station 5THE FM celebrated 28 years of local broadcasting in July this year. Although based in Millicent, it is licensed to broadcast across a large part of the South East.

Numerous national and state awards collected since the first broadcast in 1983, is evidence there is an appetite for community-based independent media. Two of the national awards won by 5THE FM that stand out are ‘Most Outstanding Station in Australia’ and ‘Most Outstanding Contribution to Community Radio.’

Australia launched Community Radio in 1964, to fill a gap in broadcasting not being covered by the National Broadcaster and Commercial Radio. Communities must demonstrate their commitment to the sustainability of a radio station before a broadcasting license is granted.

An original steering committee of five collected support from businesses, council and individual members of the wider community and a successful application with the Australian Communications Media Authority followed.

Community Radio is not government funded and relies entirely on community through sponsorship (advertising), memberships and contributions from persons who support independent media.

5THE FM has diversified throughout the 2020/2021 pandemic, working with a skeleton staff during lockdowns, increasing remote work where possible. 5THE FM received a state nomination for its specialized broadcasting during covid-19.

Many successful media careers have been launched at 5THE FM, including John Blebe, Leith Forrest, Rebekah Lowe and Trixie Oldfield.

The station has provided an opportunity for many work experience students to investigate career options in media and school programs have given primary school students an exciting radio experience.

Loyal sponsors and members make it possible for the station to maintain its daily broadcast.

‘5THE FM was one of the only local media organisations in the region to maintain its regular services to the community during the pandemic’ ….. President of the Legislative Council Hon. John Dawkins.

About this time, Michael Waite arrived in his hometown of Naracoorte on a planned holiday from the USA and like many people, got caught up in the 2020 covid lockdown.

Regional newspapers were struggling and many closed during 2020. Michael knew newspapers were important to the community so with no newspaper experience, but with extensive business expertise, he underwrote the launch of THE NEWS. It was on the shelves 3 weeks later and was a sell-out.

Advertising and memberships form the financial base for this successful weekly newspaper which focuses on councils, infrastructure, health, education and community and one year later covers issues affecting the wider community across the Limestone Coast.

The News headlines are broadcast every Wednesday on 107.7 at 11 am, feature on 5THE FM’S news online and Michael invites your ‘author’ to contribute to The News!

“We’re not in competition, we should support each other and that way we reach a wider audience.” – Michael Waite.

Naracoorte Community News 25 August 2021

This article appeared in Naracoorte Community News, 25 August 2021.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Sign up for updates from Australian Rural & Regional News

Manage your subscription

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.